About

This evergreen shrub or small tree slowly reaching 5m. It has stiff, silver blue leaves, about 5cm long, densely covering the branches. New growth in the spring is surprisingly blue.

About the genus

Podocarpus can be evergreen shrubs or trees, with spirally arranged, but usually 2-ranked, leaves which may be linear or narrowly lanceolate; plum-shaped fleshy fruits are produced only where male and female trees grow together

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs, Trees, Conifers
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural

Care notes

CultivationGrow in a sheltered spot with some shade, in milder areas of the country. For more information see tree cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate from seed (tree/shrub, or from semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free